First Process Control System Factory Acceptance Tests goes remote in Singapore

Our work on the Neste Singapore Expansion Project has achieved a pioneering breakthrough with our first ever remote Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for the refinery Process Control and Safety Instrumented Systems (PCS). 

The work started on May 6, 2020 and was expected to take six months to complete. In the first phase, the hardware part of the system was evaluated, and in the second part the software configuration developed by the supplier was tested and the compliance of the cyber security verified. With COVID-19 becoming a pandemic in March 2020 and imposing worldwide travel and social restrictions, we had to develop a mitigation and recovery plan, organizing a remote FAT in two months. 

Our prompt reaction, supported by our client Neste and PCS supplier, allowed us to build an innovative remote environment capable of ensuring high standards of ergonomics, user interface  requiring exceptional collaboration, intense focus and commitment without compromising on safety, quality and productivity. 

Over 50 specialists participated remotely to tests around the globe from Singapore, Finland, Romania, Italy, Netherlands, Germany, UK and USA. 

Gianluca Florio, Business Development Manager Central Asia and Turkey and former Electrical and Instrumentation Control department Manager, said that the remote testing was a technical challenge but we turned it into an opportunity. “In the past, we would have had to mobilize people and send them abroad for six months. “Remote testing has led to big cost savings, contributing to our competitiveness. 

"Associating our client and supplier at all steps, we have found an efficient way of working together, to the satisfaction of all parties involved. Such digital solutions will become a routine part of our commercial offering in the future. Last but not least, minimizing travel has also reduced our carbon footprint.”